Early Post WWII .38 M&P

[Warpspasm]

I have the chance to buy an early post WWII .38spl that is in very good condition. I'd say the bluing is easily 90% and the it appears to be in excellent condition mechanically. The asking price it $350, which seems like an excellent deal to me. I just wanted to check with the experts first (that's you guys by the way). Here are some pics. What do you think?

 

[Muley Gil]

I'd give $350 for that revolver.

 

[vytoland]

if the timing, lock up, bore,ejector rod, hammer push off are all ok and the finish is original.....the price is good...

 

[arjay]

I would too,but I'm no expert

 

[Warpspasm]

if the timing, lock up, bore,ejector rod, hammer push off are all ok and the finish is original.....the price is good...

But not exceptional? What would you estimate the value to be? The reason I'm asking is, I like the revolver but wasn't presently in the market for it. I was currently saving up to buy something else and buying this would set me back a bit. However, if the price was exceptional I would be willing to put my other purchase on the back burner.

 

[deyomatic]

I think they average around $400-$550 range. Sounds good to me.

 

[roaddog28]

Looks like a excellent revolver. In my area your talking $400 and more. If I could find one like the one pictured for $350 I would buy it.
Good luck.

 

[oger]

Must be the day for .38 M&Ps. I just picked up 6in #S 835799 That almost looks unfired.

 

[Absalom]

But not exceptional? What would you estimate the value to be? The reason I'm asking is, I like the revolver but wasn't presently in the market for it. I was currently saving up to buy something else and buying this would set me back a bit. However, if the price was exceptional I would be willing to put my other purchase on the back burner.

I think you may be looking for a precision in "value" that doesn't exist. This is a good price for what, based on one meaningful photo, looks like a nicely preserved specimen of a very common gun. In this price category, you're not going to find a lot of people use the word "exceptional". It's not a steal, but if I didn't have a few already, I'd buy it for that price.

 

[JP@AK]

if I didn't have a few already, I'd buy it for that price

I do "have a few already" and I'd buy it for $350. In fact, I would not even think twice.

 

[k22fan]

The shops around me would price it $350 to $450. It is not at whole sale but is at the low end of retail. I could make the temptation subside by oiling my early M&Ps. If you like it, and the gun you are budgeting for is a cataloged model that you won't need for an upcoming match, then I suggest buying it.

Stores do not seem to care but to collectors an M&P that still has the long action is more desirable. A 10% to 15% premium is reasonable for original condition transitionals.

 

[Absalom]

I do "have a few already" and I'd buy it for $350. In fact, I would not even think twice.

The fairly noticeable damage to the left stock dampened my enthusiasm a bit. I paid $307 for mine in same condition with undamaged stocks, Mershon, and gold box, and was the only bidder on GB for five days year before last. My second one, the 6" with a few scratches, Mershon and Jinks letter, cost me $300 incl. shipping last year on GB, again unopposed. That colors my judgment a bit . Have they gone up that much recently?

 

[Art Doc]

A good price. Not a "steal." If you like the gun and want it then buy it. If you're only considering it because the price is cheap don't buy it. If you want something else then buy that. I used to advocate buying American cars but the unions have pissed me off so much with their political activity and then the auto bailout really turned me off so now I don't care what kind of cars people buy. I wouldn't recommend buying plaid pants. Nobody looks good in plaid trousers. I may be drifting off topic a bit.

 

[Warpspasm]

A good price. Not a "steal." If you like the gun and want it then buy it. If you're only considering it because the price is cheap don't buy it. If you want something else then buy that. I used to advocate buying American cars but the unions have pissed me off so much with their political activity and then the auto bailout really turned me off so now I don't care what kind of cars people buy. I wouldn't recommend buying plaid pants. Nobody looks good in plaid trousers. I may be drifting off topic a bit.

Darn.... I guess I'd better take these pants back to Goodwill, eh?

 

[bruce5781]

Darn.... I guess I'd better take these pants back to Goodwill, eh?

Only if they are polyester.

 

[Warpspasm]

Only if they are polyester.

Is there any other kind?

 

[JP@AK]

The fairly noticeable damage to the left stock dampened my enthusiasm a bit. I paid $307 for mine in same condition with undamaged stocks, Mershon, and gold box, and was the only bidder on GB for five days year before last. My second one, the 6" with a few scratches, Mershon and Jinks letter, cost me $300 incl. shipping last year on GB, again unopposed. That colors my judgment a bit . Have they gone up that much recently?

I too noticed the damage to the left stock panel. And yes, it is a drawback. But since I started my research into these S prefix M&Ps I've become fanatical about acquiring them. $350 doesn't seem far out of line to me for one in otherwise good condition. Also, I'm trying to get a representative sample across the spectrum of the serial range and barrel lengths. So I guess that colors my acquisition tendencies a bit. The 4" and 5" examples are pretty easy to find. 6" guns are a bit more difficult to locate in decent shape.
You did well on the two you mentioned, and I have seen a mild price increase over the past two years.

 

[Inusuit]

I'd give $350, but I happen to have a pair of diamond grips in excellent condition that are looking for a gun to hang on.

 

[DWalt]

"I too noticed the damage to the left stock panel. And yes, it is a drawback."

True enough, but a pair of postwar Magnas can be had fairly reasonably (or possibly just the left panel). I have seen single grip panels listed on eBay. I've seen quite a few with similar damage, and I once repaired one using brown epoxy with walnut sawdust as a filler that didn't look too bad after it was shaped.

 

[H Richard]

I think you could make a couple bucks on it if you decide not to keep it.